Santa Claus visits Nogales hospital not by sleigh, but helicopter

PHOENIX — Santa Claus arrived at Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital in Nogales, Arizona, on Thursday for his annual visit not by sleigh, but by helicopter.

The meet-and-greet gave local children and patients at the 25-bed critical access hospital the chance to take photos and make last-minute gift requests.

Santa gave out hugs and good wishes as kids and hospital staff sat on his lap.

And why the helicopter?

Santa said he is giving his reindeer time to rest up for the upcoming busy week.

Related

Retired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancerStorms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outages4-year-old boy dies a month after being pulled from Phoenix apartment poolTucson Police identify, charge mass shooting suspect who left 9 injuredNBA star James Harden among investors bringing Smiling Moose Sandwich Grill to ScottsdaleMan accused of fatally shooting girlfriend in Peoria mobile home park